The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-07-23

me in my profession.
aBetter find the 9200 then, replied the
money-lender insolently; shut personally L
am not fond of buying pigs in pokes, or
pictures by unknown artists, though per-
haps other people may be. It's, however,
for you to find them, not for me. Good
morning, my dear sir. Sorry | can't
oblige you"
aHorrid old scamp" muttered Megilp,
as he left Zerubbabefs shop and turned his
face westward.
"Not to be caught by chaff, my 6ue
shentleman," commented the amiable brio
a-brac dealer, turning back into his dingy
abode "You don't get off your bargain so
easily as that Then he proceeded to
unlock fireproof safe in the corner of his
sanctum, and gloated greedily over the
documents reposing therein, documents
which represented some remarkably hard
bargains driven by Mr.. Zerubbabel with
his lawful prey, men in difficulties. He
was interrupted in this pleasant recreation,
VI in which he usually spent any spare
.0oments he could snatch from business, by
the entrance of friend and compatriot,
one Abiram Levi, picture-dealer by pro-
fession.
After an exchange of amicable greetings
the two gentlemen spent half an hour or
so in confidential conversation on the state
of their respective trades; then as pleasant
deseuurement after this head word, they
imbibed several glasses of brandy and
water and smoked as many high-favorcd
cigars.
Perhaps Mr.. Levi consumed more than
his fair share of these luxuries, for in a
moment of expansion he began to talk
over his business projects for the coming
season.
GIVE got capital thing in view. 1
don't mind telling you about it, Zerubbabel,
my dear boy, for you're not in the swim,
so it doesn't matter. Have you heard of
young Megilp's Academy picture p
Zerubbabel shook his head, but leaned
forward eagerly, with his cunning eyes
fixed OIL Mr. Lewis flushed countenance.
"Splendid thing-safe to make sensa-
tion. mean to get hold of it cheap, if |
can; and as he's only a young fellow, and
apparently hard up, the chances are L
SHALL
"Think the picture really worth hav-
ing ?" said Zerubbabel, with depreciatory
shrug.
ssNot doubt about it. You see it's an
attractive subject, and one that is sure to
take the public. They don't like your
grand historical pictures. They prefer
something pretty and pastoral, and that
sort of thing. Bet you what you like that
Megilp's picture'll be hung on the line
At all events, I'm going round to his
studio in a few days to make him an offer
for it.
Mr.. Zerubbabel smiled, and rubbed his
hands complacently. He had learned
something that might be. useful to him.
He didn't get rid of Mr.. Levi until late
in the afternoon, consequently it was nearly
seven O'Clock before he emerged from his
shop and stopped a passing bus.
In less than half an hour the bric-a-brac
dealer was set down close to the Megilp's
door. The servant who answered the bell
told him that Mr.. Megilp was dining out
that evening, and asked if he would see
her mistress
Thinking lady would be an easier Gus
toner to deal with, Mr.. Zerubbabel said
that he would like to speak to Mrs. Megilp
for a few minutes. Accordingly he was
ushered into the drawing-room, where that
lady shortly joined him.
aYou have called to see my husband
about the-the bill of sale, the little
woman began in frightened tone.
"Well, yes, ma'am, in way l have ::
but should like to see the picture he Of
fered me this morning"
"The Academy picture ?" suggested
Mrs. Megilp, her face Frightening. q am
so sorry; but my husband generally locks
up his studio when he goes out. Can't
you call another day and see it p
ooh, yes" answered Mr.. Zerubbabel
amiably; "but as I'm here, l may as well
tell you of the offer am willing to make. !"
Mrs. Megilp's pretty face beamed with
Joy at the idea of arranging matters with
the money-lender 1t would be such a
delightful surprise for Michael Angelo
when he came home to find that that tire
some business of the bill of sale had been
brought to a satisfactory conclusion during
his absence.
"Mr. Megilp wants to get back his bill
of sale on this furniture p began Mr.. Yer
ubbabel, with circular sweep of the hands
towards the contents of the room.
sY-yes," breathed poor Madge with a
shiver, for she thought that the odious
man looked as if he would like to carry off
her household goods there and then. All
the brightness went out Of her face, and
she grew quite pale.
"Well, of course my expenses in con-
nection with this bill have been heavy
very heavy, and my loss, if let it be paid
off at once, will be great-yery great; in
fact, f100 will barely put me straight, =
said Mr. Zerubbabel in business-like tone,
ssThat added to the 9200 Mr.. Megilp bor-
rowed of me last year makes f300. Now,
I'll make him this offer; I'll give him a
check for 925, and send him back the bill
of sale in consideration of his Academy
picture-the big one, mind, | mcan-be-
coming my property" 49,
"The picture has been valued at f500, "
put in Mrs. Megilp timidly.
aOh, has it? By you and Mr. Megilp,
I suppose Well, amt going to give
that. What | have offered is as good as
9325-an uncommouly high price, let me
tell you, ma'am, for picture by an un-
known artist."
"Every one says that my husband is one
of the rising artists of the day" exclaimed
Mrs. Megilp, firing up.
"Oh, they all are, retorted Mr.. Zerub-
babel, rising. "Still, you had better think
over my offer, and tell Mr.. Megilp what
have said. I'll call round in day or two
to see the picture, when you can let me
have definite answer"
And Mr.. Zerubbabel took up his hat
and bowed and grinned himself out, leav-
ing the indignant little woman to think
over matters in general, and the matter Of
the bill Of sale in particular.
i When Michael Angelo came in. she told
: him Of the Jews visit and the proposition
Il H. bod rnoda